Views of the neighborhood

I thought I would share some views from the Africa Mercy. It's a little different from being home in the USA.

Since one of my first posts was a view of Africa from the New Jersey side, it's only fair to show a view of New Jersey from the Guinea side.

New Jersey is just a few thousand miles beyond these islands.

The Africa Mercy is home to a number of families with children.  A playground is part of decks 7 and 8.  This is a happy active place where kids can be kids.

Here are some views of the Conakry port and just beyond.   It's a busy place.

 This is a view from the Starboard side of the ship.  There is some construction going on in a busy port.

 This is a view from Deck 7 overlooking the Mercy Ship entrance.  The area is well guarded and fenced in.  For transportation Mercy Ships has a fleet of Land Rovers holding up to 10 people (if some are willing to squeeze in the back).
In Africa, there's always room for one more.

Sometimes you need to find a place to relax outside and in the shade.  These are popular spots on weekends.  In the evening a lot of people relax and watch the sunset on this deck or the Deck 8.









We do get to look out over the Atlantic ocean every day.
Since we live in port, there's a fair amount of shipping traffic.  There are also smaller vessels that go back and forth throughout the day and night.

After dinner we can go up on the top deck and watch the sunset.

Chuck

Shaking Hands With The President

During my first day on the job, we were introduced to African flexibility.  The president of Guinea came to visit the Africa Mercy.  Everything was ship shape (literally) and a tour was given.  Dress code was Mercy Ship uniforms or our Sunday best.
I was wearing scrubs so that counted as a uniform.  When His Excellency President Alpha Condé  came to the medical supply storage area, I said "bonjour" and shook his hand.
At least I know that much French.

The president was most gracious and impressed by what he saw on the Africa Mercy.  He made a point of shaking hands with as many people as possible on board.  He wants to help Guinea become a peaceful, stable and growing country.  He asked Mercy Ships to reach more in the interior of the country, not just the area around Conakry. So Mercy ships is able to help promote peace in this country that has had its share of conflict.  That is a very good thing for which we can give thanks to God.


Chuck

Welcome Aboard The Africa Mercy

After a long flight from Brussels which included a stop in Banjul (The Gambia), we arrived to the heat and humidity of Conakry.  We got through customs after providing 20 pages of documents explaining we were with Mercy Ships.  Two others, traveling on the same flight got through a different line much quicker.  After retrieving our bags we put them through and x-ray scanner, picked them up and dragged them over a couple ramps where we were met by a Mercy Ships driver.  We loaded everything into the land rover and asked that the air conditioning be cranked up as much as possible.

 Our cabin was our first sign of the extra things done to show hospitality and provide genuine welcome to us.  There are a lot of little things done on the Africa Mercy which express tangible love to patients and their families.  One of the deliveries I made this week was to bring teddy bears to the admission center.  Each patient receives a patient admission kit containing such practical things as soap, a towel and a toothbrush.  For children, a teddy bear, coloring book and balloons are added.  That's typical of the love and care that takes place here every day.

Living area 

It was a wonderful surprise when we saw how large and spacious our cabin was!  It was so much nicer than expected.  The Air conditioning is cranked up and we sleep well under a blanket.  It's cool enough so that we have to wear a fleece pullover or sweater to be comfortable if we're just sitting around.  We have a window which is right under the gangplank, so we figured we were on the starboard side.  It even came equipped with a refrigerator and a hot pot.

Chuck

Our Anniversary on "The Love Boat"

Our cards to each other displayed in our cabin.

Our 31st anniversary was the day we came on board  the Africa Mercy!  We gave each other our cards the evening before while we were still in Bruges, Belgium.  We had picked out the exact same cards to give to each other.  Actually, the card's verse is about sharing dreams.  We have shared the vision of being part of the crew of the Africa Mercy.  What a great way to celebrate!

Debbie

Cruising in Bruges, Belgium

Life may not be a cruise for us, but that doesn't mean we cannot take a 30 minute minute boat tour along the canals of the beautiful city of Bruges,  Belgium.
In Belgium everything is written in multiple languages.  Even Bruges, is written Brugge by the locals who speak Dutch.
While taking a boat tour our guide made sure he knew what language everyone spoke as we boarded.  He then gave the tour in English, French and German.

Our tour guide told us to "mind the gap" as we got on the boat, but said 'Danke" for the tip as we left.











Bruges is famous for its canals, Belgium Waffles, Chocolate, Beer, and Belgium lace.

These waffles were cooked to order and warmed us up as it was just starting to rain.

Belgium Lace

Bruges Buildings along the canal

One of the most enjoyable times was listening to a musical trio performing on the street.  These amazing musicians were playing Bach, Mozart and other intricate classical pieces.  Two accordians and a Bass provided wonderful sound for the pleasure of many.

 

Mercy Has Arrived in Guinea

The Africa Mercy has docked in Guinea. We will leave to join them in 44 days
Mercy Ship Arrives in Conakry

Back in July we gave you a view of Africa from the New Jersey Shore.
Here is a closer look.

The Africa Mercy Arrival always brings celebration.
Here is the Guinea Regimental  band welcoming the crew.

Chuck and Debbie

Ride for the Rescue 2012

The Syracuse NY Rescue Mission has been providing care for the poor and homeless for 125 years.  Each year there is a fundraiser where teams ride bikes through designate routes in the Syracuse.  The cooperation of over twenty local businesses and local media support, all contribute to the success of this event.
Although there was a 125K distance route to celebrate the 125 years of service, we declined to ride the 77 miles - leaving that for the fanatics.  The 62 and 40 miles routes seemed a bit long for a hot summer day, but the 20 mile ride was just about right.

This team photo was before the ride - We all looked good!

There were over 450 riders this year and a lot of volunteers taking care of everyone.

What I like about the event is:

1. It's fun and very well organized.

2. A large community is focused on meeting very practical needs.

3. Local business and individuals generate enthusiasm and support for the Rescue Mission.

4. Lots of families are involved.  Kids also ride (although shorter family routes).

5. The media offers very positive and professional coverage.

6. My trusty and a little bit rusty 1976 model bike is still performing well.

Chuck